Governor Marie Bashir asking students about their Chinese learning in the Confucius classroom at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) . (Photo courtesy: Hanban News)

(TibetanReview.net, May09, 2018) – After the USA and Canada, a controversial Chinese Government-sponsored programme to spread Chinese propaganda through Mandarin teaching programmes in schools has come under scrutiny in Australia. The New South Wales Government is reviewing the programme amid claims it could expose children to propaganda, reported abc.net.au Apr 8.

The report noted that teaching assistants appointed by the Chinese Communist Party were currently working in 13 public schools around NSW under the Confucius Classrooms programme.

It noted that the programme was also providing cash grants from the Chinese Government’s Hanban Institute, and operated in several private schools as well.

The report also cited a spokesman for Education Minister Rob Stokes as confirming a Chinese Government-funded travel programme for NSW school principals to visit that country had been postponed. The minister has said his Government was now investigating concerns raised about Confucius Classrooms.

“The Department of Education’s relationship with the Confucius Institute is currently under review to ensure that there are no inappropriate influences from foreign powers,” the spokesman was quoted as saying.

The report cited Taiwanese community member Carole Lu as saying she was particularly concerned that teaching aides might tell students about political issues surrounding Taiwan and Tibet.

“I worry about the propaganda. The Government needs to make sure it’s non-political,” she was quoted as saying.